David Rovics: Today in Charlottesville

There was a massacre in church that got certain forces movingMany towns are now at least superficially improvingSuch as in Virginia, where a statue of General LeeStands as a reminder of the days of slaveryIn the city center, an indelible markIn the spot that's been renamed Emancipation ParkSlated for removal, when a judge intervenedWhich might be the moment that most fully set the scene

For 19 injured, one killed today in Charlottesville

With their man in the White House, members of the RightMarched through the university, torches alightChanting against immigrants, Africans and JewsBut it's not the flying bottles that put them in the newsSo much as the bigot in the car, revving his engine loudSpeeding forward and then back, running down the crowdUsing the same tactic promoted by Islamic StateMaybe he was even shouting “God is great”

19 injured, one killed today in Charlottesville

More than half the city used to be in chainsNow their descendants who still remainAre being forced to leave by gentrificationJust like poor white folks all across the nationAnd with the presidential tweets and xenophobic rantsIt's just a matter of time before some pawn takes the chanceTo plow into a march with half a ton of steelThis is not fake news -- it's real